Sweden has just started running tests for an 'electrical highway'. The innovation hooks transport trucks up to an overhead series of wires that will power it as the vehicle moves along the highway. The move is seen as a positive step towards fossil-fuel-free transportation. (via cbc.ca)

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CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) in conjunction with the MCI (Marine Conservation Institute) has released their first ever joint-assessment of the progress of marine protection in North America. The study gives an indepth look at policies in the US, Canada, and Mexico and their findings are not optimistic. We have a long way to go to reach the painfully moderate goal of 10% ocean estate protection (we're currently at 0.04%). The report is available in full and in executive summary. (via CPAWS)

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Beaches in Hong Kong are being overrun with trash rendering them toxic, useless spaces. The rainy season is coming which will only make the situation worse, yet the Chinese central government maintains it "does not constitute a serious problem". (via mic.com)

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There is a global energy shortage with more than one billion people having insufficient access to energy. The areas that do have it, waste it. Researchers at the University of Waterloo are focusing on four routes of interconnected research that can lead to open energy access. (via uw)

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In response to the catastrophic death of bee culture, EcoJustice has filed a lawsuit challenging the use of two highly dangerous pesticides under the Pest Control Products Act, specifically Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam, which have both been linked to the mass bee deaths in North America. (via globeandmail)(via ecojustice)

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his objection to the Northern Gateway pipeline saying "the Great Bear Rainforest is no place for a crude oil pipeline" in a press conference in Montreal this week. (via BNN.ca)

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An anonymous donor in Edmonton paid for the installation of a water fountain in one of the city's alleys that is a common place for people who are homeless to stay. She said she was prompted to make the donation from the frustration that everyone has the right to clean drinking water. Dehydration is one of the most severe issues for the community and the installation of a free access water fountain in their neighbourhood has made a notable difference in the lives of people living there. (via cbc.ca)

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National Geographic has released the winners of the 2016 Traveller Photo Contest. John Rollins' photo of a mountain in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut earned an Honourable Mention in the Nature category. This stunning photo is the header for this post. (via nationalgeographic)